Portable Thermal Seat Cover

ABSTRACT

A portable seat cover that retains a user&#39;s thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user to negate the need for a thermal energy source. The seat cover overlays an outdoor chair or bench through a pair of flaps that join together. The seat cover include a panel of insulation that has sufficient heat capacity to retain the user&#39;s thermal energy, and reemit the thermal energy from the thermal cover back onto the user. The insulation positions inside an external cover, and is comprised of two layers of double bubble polyethylene sandwiched between a metalized aluminum film. The insulation may include an aluminum lightweight, space age design that integrates closed cell foam and reflective technology with a protective poly coating within multiple thin layers. The seat cover is rolled up into a cylindrical shape with elastic bands that attach to the ends of the seat cover.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to seatcovers. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the inventionrelate to insulated seat covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that,while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as toadditional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limitingthe present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated orimplied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background,another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is thata cushion is a soft bag of some ornamental material, stuffed with wool,hair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, or evenpaper torn into fragments. It may be used for sitting or kneeling upon,or to soften the hardness or angularity of a chair or couch. Cushionsand rugs can be used temporarily outside, to soften a hard ground. Theycan be placed on sun loungers and used to prevent annoyances from moistgrass and biting insects.

Typically, thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer betweenobjects in thermal contact or in range of radiative influence. Heattransfer is the transfer of thermal energy between objects of differingtemperature. The means to stem heat flow may be especially engineeredmethods or processes, as well as suitable static objects and materials.Insulating a seat cushion to retain thermal energy may involve combininga cushion with an insulator.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniquesare not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary insulation portion, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover joined with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover in a rolled up position, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover positioned overtop the mounting surface, with two mountingfasteners joining, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

an exemplary thermal cover positioned underneath a standard seat coverwith a mounting fastener being used for attachment to the mountingsurface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference tothe detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature orany novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does thepresent invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesubcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may beformulated to such features and/or combinations of such features duringthe prosecution of the present Application or of any further Applicationderived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,”“various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated useof the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of theforegoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed andadditional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of theparticular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of theforegoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/orhardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know issuitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method stepsdescribed in the present application that can be carried out on acomputing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriatelyconfigured or designed, serve as a computer system in which thoseaspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention isnot limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of portable thermal seat covers that may beprovided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example,without limitation, a thermal cover 100 may provide a portable seatcover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermalenergy back to the user to negate the need for a thermal energy source.The thermal cover may be positioned on a mounting surface, includingwithout limitation, a chair, a bleacher, a sofa, a couch, a yard chair,the ground, and the like. The thermal cover may secure onto the mountingsurface through at least one mounting fastener, including, withoutlimitation, straps, Velcro, snap-buttoons, adhesives, and the like.However, in other embodiments, the seat cover may not join with themounting surface, but rest loosely on the mounting surface. The thermalcover may include an insulation portion having sufficient heat capacityto retain the user's thermal energy, and reemit the thermal energy fromthe thermal cover onto the user. In some embodiments, the insulation'scapacity to reemit thermal energy negates the need for a thermal energysource, including, without limitation, a heat pack, a battery, and athermal gel solution. In some embodiments, the insulation portion mayinclude a metalized film, including without limitation, double bubblepolyethylene aluminum. An alternate embodiment for the type of metalutilized in the polyethylene aluminum may include, without limitation,nickel and chromium. Those skilled in the art, in light of the presentteachings, will recognize that double bubble polyethylene aluminum mayinclude an aluminum lightweight, space age design that integrates closedcell foam and reflective technology with a protective poly coatingwithin multiple thin layers. The durable poly coating may protect theinsulating material from potentially damaging surfaces and may beimpermeable to moisture. The physical characteristics and overall designof the double bubble polyethylene make it a very effective product forinsulating, retaining thermal energy from the user, and reemitting thethermal energy from the seat cover. In some embodiments, the insulationmay be sewn into the seat cover. Those skilled in the art, in light ofthe present teachings, will recognize that padding may surround thealuminum insulation to provide enhanced comfort for a user. The paddingmay include, without limitation, a 1″ foam pad, feathers, cotton,polyester staple fiber, and non-woven material. An alternate embodimentof the present invention may include the seat cover being rolled up andsecured in a cylindrical shape with elastic bands attached to the endsof the seat cover. However, in other embodiments, the seat cover may besecured with fasteners, including, without limitation, Velcro,snap-buttons, straps, and adhesives. Those skilled in the art, in lightof the present teachings, will recognize that the thermal seat cover maybe an affordable and efficient option to remain warm at outdoor orindoor events, including, without limitation, camping, picnic, BBQ,watching outdoor sports, watching television indoors, and sitting onbleacher seats.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover 100 laid flat, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may provide a portableseat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermalenergy back to the user; thereby not requiring a thermal energy source.In some embodiments, the thermal cover may include an external cover 102that surrounds an insulation portion 104. The external cover may includea multiplicity of fabric panels joined together to securely form aperimeter around the insulation portion. The insulation portion may beconfigured to fit snugly within the external cover. In some embodiments,a slit is available on one side of the external cover for facilitatedremoval of the insulation portion. In this manner, the external covermay be washed or filled with additional padding. In some embodiments,the slit may be secured into a closed position with fasteners,including, without limitation, Velcro, pins, snap-buttons, andadhesives. An alternate embodiment may include external coversfabricated from a material capable of being wiped clean, including,without limitation, nylon and plastic. In some embodiments, the nylonexternal cover may not require the slit, since the insulation portiondoes not necessitate removal to clean the external cover.

In some embodiments, suitable materials for fabrication of the externalcover may include, without limitation, fabric, cotton, vinyl, polyester,plastic, and a permeable membrane. In some embodiments, the externalcover may be joined with a combination of different materials. Thoseskilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognizethat the external cover may be comprised of a multiplicity of panelssewn together with a four-thread method to provide strength anddurability. In some embodiments, after the front and back sections ofthe external cover are sewn together, a bias tape may be applied alongthe edge to provide a more polished look. However, in other embodiments,the multiplicity of panels may be assembled with other fasteners,including, without limitation, adhesives, staples, and tied knots. Insome embodiments, the back section of the external cover may include twoextending flaps of material that overlap to form at least one mountingfastener 108. In some embodiments each mounting fastener may be anadjustable flap used for joining the external cover to most types ofrecreational chairs and seats. In some embodiments, the external covermay also include at least one rollup fastener 110 sewn within the top ofthe bias tape to provide the user with a method of rolling up andsecuring the seat cover. An alternate embodiment may include a handlesewn within the bias tape on the top back top edge to facilitate easycarrying. In some embodiments, the external cover may include a plethoraof colors and figures on the surface, or the user may custom tailor thedesign, including, without limitation, color, figures, logos, andtexture. In some embodiments, padding may be incorporated inside theexternal cover, along with the insulation portion to provide additionalpadding. The padding may include, without limitation, a 1″ foam pad,cotton, feathers, fabric, and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary insulation portion, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In someembodiments the insulation portion may have sufficient heat capacity toretain the user's thermal energy, and reemit the thermal energy from theseat cover back onto the user. The insulation portion may utilizeinsulating properties of the external cover to create a more efficientthermal effect. In some embodiments, the insulation portion may includea metalized film 105 for providing a reflective silver surface similarto aluminum foil. In some embodiments, the metalized film may include,without limitation, double bubble polyethylene aluminum. An alternateembodiment for the type of metal utilized may include, withoutlimitation, nickel and chromium. The metal film may also reduce thepermeability of the metal film to light, water and oxygen. Theproperties of the metal film include without limitations, highertoughness, the ability to be heat sealed, and a lower density at a lowercost than an aluminum foil. The insulation portion may also include aninsulator 106 that is sandwiched between two layers of the metal film.The insulator may be used to reduce the rate of heat transfer within theinsulation portion. The insulator may include, without limitation, twolayers of polyethylene bubbles sandwiched between the metalized film,fiberglass, foam, cotton, fibers, silicone, and polyurethane foam. Forexample, without limitation, the insulator may include two layers ofpolyethylene bubbles sandwiched between radial foil. In someembodiments, the insulation's capacity to reemit thermal energy negatesthe need for a thermal energy source, including, without limitation, aheat pack, a battery, and a gel. Those skilled in the art, in light ofthe present teachings, will recognize that double bubble polyethylenealuminum may include an aluminum lightweight, space age design thatintegrates reflective technology with a protective poly coating toenclose multiple thin layers of polyethylene bubbles. The durable polycoating may protect the insulating material from potentially damagingsurfaces and may be impermeable to moisture. The physicalcharacteristics and overall design of the double bubble polyethylenemake it a very effective product for insulating, retaining thermalenergy from the user, and reemitting the thermal energy from the seatcover. In some embodiments, the insulation may be sewn into the seatcover. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, willrecognize that padding may surround the aluminum insulation to provideenhanced comfort for a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover joined with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover fitsover a mounting surface 112, including, without limitation, a seat, achair, a sofa, a lawn chair, a beach chair, and the like. In someembodiments, the thermal cover may be sufficiently sized and dimensionedto engage with the user's buttocks and complete back side. The thermalcover may attach to the mounting surface with at least one mountingfastener that joins with the seat cover. The at least one mountingfastener may be fabricated from the same material as the external cover,and may be an extension of the external cover. In this manner, unsightlyand extraneous straps and ties may be avoided.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover in a rolled up position, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may roll upinto a cylindrical shape neatly for storage and portability. However, inother embodiments, the thermal cover may fold into various shapes, orcrumple into a ball for storage. In some embodiments, after the thermalcover is rolled up, rollup fasteners may secure the thermal cover in thecylindrial shape with elastic bands attached to the ends of the thermalcover. However, in other embodiments, the thermal cover may be securedwith fasteners, including, without limitation, Velcro, snap-buttons,straps, and adhesives.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermalcover positioned overtop the mounting surface, with two mountingfasteners joining, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may positionunderneath a primary seat cover. In some embodiments, the thermal covermay be placed underneath a blanket to extend the thermal comfort over alarger area, and enhance the thermal effect. In some embodiments, thethermal cover may not include a seat cover, but rather, only aninsulation portion. In some embodiments, the insulation portion may notattach to a mounting surface, yet still provide thermal comfort. In someembodiments, the insulation portion may be positioned onto the ground,without an external cover. An alternate embodiment may include thethermal portion being sewn directly into a chair, without the externalcover. In some embodiments, the external cover with the padding insidemay be utilized without the insulation portion for providing anaesthetic design.

In one alternative embodiment, the external cover may be waterproof. Themultiplicity of panels may be joined so that moisture does not enter thethermal cover. The external cover may also be fabricated from awaterproof material. In one alternative embodiment, the thermal covermay be configured to conform to different body parts other than thebuttocks and back, including, without limitation, neck, leg, feet, andarms.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in thisspecification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unlessexpressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features orcomponents serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known bythose skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, orsimilar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providinga similar function by virtue of their having known suitable propertiesfor the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, eachfeature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent,or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled inthe art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a portable seatcover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermalenergy back to the user; thereby not requiring a thermal energy sourceaccording to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above byway of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are notintended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. Theparticular implementation of the portable seat cover that retains auser's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user;thereby not requiring a thermal energy source may vary depending uponthe particular context or application. By way of example, and notlimitation, the portable seat cover that retains a user's thermalenergy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user; thereby notrequiring a thermal energy source described in the foregoing wereprincipally directed to seat cover implementations; however, similartechniques may instead be applied to providing thermal energy in a bed,including a baby crib, which implementations of the present inventionare contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Theinvention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosedembodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy orachieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described inthe foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermal cover comprising: an external cover,said external cover being configured to overlay a mounting surface; aninsulation portion, said insulation portion comprising a metalized film,said insulation portion further comprising an insulator; at least onemounting fastener, said at least one mounting fastener being configuredto join said thermal cover with said mounting surface; and at least onerollup fastener, said at least one rollup fastener being configured tosecure said thermal cover in a rolled position.
 2. The thermal cover ofclaim 1, in which said insulation portion comprises said insulatorsandwiched between two layers of said metalized film.
 3. The thermalcover of claim 2, in which said insulator comprises a multiplicity oflayers of polyethylene bubbles.
 4. The thermal cover of claim 3, inwhich said metalized film comprises aluminum.
 5. The thermal cover ofclaim 4, wherein said insulator portion utilizes radiant heat to providewarmth throughout said thermal cover.
 6. The thermal cover of claim 5,in which said external cover comprises a slit, said slit beingconfigured to provide access to an inside portion of said externalcover.
 7. The thermal cover of claim 6, wherein said slit secures into aclosed position with a fastener.
 8. The thermal cover of claim 7, inwhich said external cover comprises a padding positioned inside saidexternal cover.
 9. The thermal cover of claim 8, wherein said padding isconfigured to rest adjacent to said insulation portion.
 10. The thermalcover of claim 9, in which said padding comprises a foam panel.
 11. Thethermal cover of claim 10, in which said at least one mounting fastenercomprises at least one adjustable flap used for joining said externalcover to said mounting surface.
 12. The thermal cover of claim 11, inwhich said at least one adjustable flap comprises two fabric panels thatjoin with a fastener.
 13. The thermal cover of claim 12, wherein said atleast one mounting fastener is fabricated from the same material as saidexternal cover.
 14. The thermal cover of claim 13, wherein said at leastone mounting fastener is configured as an extension of said externalcover.
 15. The thermal cover of claim 14, in which said at least onerollup fastener comprises two fabric panels that join with a fastener.16. The thermal cover of claim 15, wherein said at least one rollupfastener is configured to be sewn within the top portion of a bias taperoll up and secure said thermal cover.
 17. The thermal cover of claim16, wherein said at least one rollup fastener being fabricated from thesame material as said external cover.
 18. The thermal cover of claim 17,wherein said at least one rollup fastener is configured as an extensionof said external cover.
 19. A thermal cover comprising: means forunrolling said thermal cover from a rolled up position; means forpositioning said thermal cover onto a mounting surface; means forsecuring said thermal cover onto said mounting surface with at least onemounting fastener; and means for retaining thermal energy in aninsulation portion.
 20. A thermal cover consisting of: an externalcover, said external cover being configured to overlay a mountingsurface, said external cover comprising a slit, said slit beingconfigured to provide access to an inside portion of said externalcover, said external cover further comprising a padding, said paddingbeing positioned inside said external cover; an insulation portion, saidinsulation portion comprising a metalized film, said insulation portionfurther comprising an insulator, said insulation portion beingconfigured to sandwich said insulator between two layers of saidmetalized film; at least one mounting fastener, said at least onemounting fastener being configured to join said thermal cover with saidmounting surface, said at least one mounting fastener comprising atleast one adjustable flap, said at least one adjustable flap beingoperable to join said external cover to said mounting surface; and atleast one rollup fastener, said at least one rollup fastener beingconfigured to secure said thermal cover in a rolled position, said atleast one rollup fastener comprising at least one fabric panel that joinwith a fastener.